1st day in CNA class and really down...

Ok, I am working on pre-reqs for ADN nursing school. I decided to get into the CNA class to get some experience and also work part time while in school. My hope is to work for a hospital for the experience. Anyway, today I completely felt like a total air head b/c I thought the B/P cuff was leaking air. The instructor had to come and show me I had the knob turned the wrong way. I was just not prepared today and very distracted. When called on and the spot light was on me, I felt myself get very nervous and red in the face and shaking. My voice was shaking also. I felt stupid. I think that my instructor noticed and everyone else too.
I didn't think I was going to get into the class b/c of the money. I have had a lot of stress going on right now from money to my grandmother being placed in ICU for the 2nd time and now facing open heart surgery. I didn't have my books b/c the store hasn't been open etc. Luckily I was not the only one and it was not a requirement for the first day. I just wonder if I am smart enough for nursing. Am I kidding myself? I think the demons from the past are showing up whispering in my ear that I am not smart enough or able to finish this. I am normally pretty outgoing and do well in large crowds, but smaller ones are hard for me. Especially when I am on unfamiliar territory. I almost thought of dropping the class. I just think stress and pms/hormones have gotten the best of me today. Am I crazy? Any advice?
thanks,
sc

Take a deep breath and keep in mind tomorrow is another day. We all have bad days and you just had one. Get some sleep and tomorrow will be better. You have allot on your plate right now with school and family which is going to be a distraction. Might want to look at seeing if you can get a refund on the CNA and doing it when things calm down a bit so you can concentrate on school. Just an idea.

Oct 20, '07

Joined: Oct '07; Posts: 10; Likes: 1

Take a deep breath and relax. Bad days happen to alot. Never put yourself down, of course you can do it if you put your mind into and if you like this career. Stay positive!

I agree with the others, do not throw in the towel. If you think that you need a bit more time, ask them when the next class begins, and start that time instead. However, keep in mind, nursing programs are run far different from this; they are not as flexible. People would have to wait an entire semester, or even a whole year to repeat a course, and they are strict on absences. They feel that the nurse should come in prepared at all times, under any circumstances. Nursing school will be much different than the pre-requisites you are taking.

With that in mind, know that we all make mistakes, we all react to stress and there will be bad days. And, we all doubt ourselves, even after being a nurse, if we did the right thing, could we have done better, etc. Those feelings are completely normal.

Ok, I am working on pre-reqs for ADN nursing school. I decided to get into the CNA class to get some experience and also work part time while in school. My hope is to work for a hospital for the experience. Anyway, today I completely felt like a total air head b/c I thought the B/P cuff was leaking air. The instructor had to come and show me I had the knob turned the wrong way. I was just not prepared today and very distracted. When called on and the spot light was on me, I felt myself get very nervous and red in the face and shaking. My voice was shaking also. I felt stupid. I think that my instructor noticed and everyone else too.
I didn't think I was going to get into the class b/c of the money. I have had a lot of stress going on right now from money to my grandmother being placed in ICU for the 2nd time and now facing open heart surgery. I didn't have my books b/c the store hasn't been open etc. Luckily I was not the only one and it was not a requirement for the first day. I just wonder if I am smart enough for nursing. Am I kidding myself? I think the demons from the past are showing up whispering in my ear that I am not smart enough or able to finish this. I am normally pretty outgoing and do well in large crowds, but smaller ones are hard for me. Especially when I am on unfamiliar territory. I almost thought of dropping the class. I just think stress and pms/hormones have gotten the best of me today. Am I crazy? Any advice?
thanks,
sc

Just as others have said take a deep breath. It will get better if this is in your heart don't let any so called demons ect... stand in your way. You must believe in yourself no matter the issues. I believe you can succeed, now chin up and go for it....

Oct 25, '07

Joined: Sep '07; Posts: 43; Likes: 2

Well, I dropped the course for now. I just couldn't give it 100% so I decided to not continue. I am either going to retake it next semester, or just go for my LVN license and then my RN. Should I take this if I am going to do the LVN program?
Thanks,
sc

Without it, you cannot become CNA certified. And if you aren't certified, you cannot work anywhere(especially a hospital) as a CNA, nor begin nursing school. Most nursing schools nowadays require that you be CNA certified prior to starting the actual nursing program.

So don't let one b/p cuff incident keep you from reaching your dreams. You can do this and yes you have what it takes to be a nurse!!

Oct 25, '07

Joined: Sep '07; Posts: 43; Likes: 2

Well, they are telling us that we do not have to have our CNA license. I can start the Vocational nursing class this summer. Do you still think I should get the CNA license?
Thanks,
sc

Seriously it is not a requirement. They recommend it but it is not mandatory. Do you think it is needed to start LVN school?
thanks
sc

No. I know alot of nurses who were CNA's before they were nurses but I know alot more who were not. IMHO you can't tell who was or wasn't a CNA before without asking. IMHO it makes no difference except that you get more of an idea what nursing is like if you're a CNA and you might decided it's not for you before you put all that time into school.

I've been a nurse for 32 years. I love being a nurse, I'm a good nurse and have experience in different areas. I feel like I've done it all, seen it all. I could never be a CNA on a daily basis. Filling in a day or so, fine, every day NEVER. I respect CNA's.

Last edit by DutchgirlRN on Oct 26, '07

Oct 26, '07

Joined: Sep '07; Posts: 43; Likes: 2

When you started out did you say you were a CNA? I plan on going over all the videos and practicing the practice skills but as far as taking a course or class I am not sure if I want to spend the extra money on it. Did you go directly to LVN/LPN to RN or just LVN?
thanks
sc

When you started out did you say you were a CNA? I plan on going over all the videos and practicing the practice skills but as far as taking a course or class I am not sure if I want to spend the extra money on it. Did you go directly to LVN/LPN to RN or just LVN?
thanks
sc

I started out as an LPN with no experience. Later went on and got my RN.